John Andrew Pearson
John Andrew Pearson, age 57, of Flint Hill, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2018, at Warren Memorial Hospital, Front Royal, Virginia. He was surrounded by his family. John had been battling cancer for two years.
“John Pearson battled colon cancer to the end. He was loved, admired and respected, he was a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin and friend to all.” (Chuck Colvin, brother-in-law)
Born in Orange, California on January 18, 1961 to Mary Jo and William R. Pearson, he attended Saint Catherine’s Military Academy, Anaheim, California. His family moved to McFarland, Wisconsin in 1977. He attended McFarland High School graduating in 1979. After incurring a knee injury while playing football, he decided on a culinary career attending MATC in Madison, Wisconsin. He started his career at the Quality Inn, Monona, Wisc. at the age of 16. He went on to work for many fine restaurants in Madison. After his folks moved to Laurel, Maryland John decided to move to the Washington, DC area. He became the Production Chef for Sutton Place Gourmet, Bethesda Md, where he met his wife of 24 yrs, Denise Colvin. John and Denise moved to Flint Hill, VA in 1994 and began working at the Flint Hill Public House which they soon ran as chef/owners for 14 yrs. While running the Public House, they were privileged to participate in many prestigious and meaningful events, including Taste of Rappahannock, Taste of the Town (Washington DC), and preparing food for the unveiling of Julia Child’s kitchen at the Smithsonian Inst. in Washington, DC. John also participated as a judge for the Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Tasting for 10 yrs. His love and knowledge of wine put him in a category all his own. After closing the Public House, John went to work for Whole Foods in Fairfax, VA, where he worked with many long-time friends, co-workers and associates. After a brief stint at the Country Club of Culpeper as chef, he returned to retail and his final position with Dean & Deluca in Georgetown, DC, where he managed wine, cheese and charcuterie, all his favorites. He commuted 60 miles each way in his Lincoln MKS to work with his D&D family. “One of my most treasured friendships in life is off now to cook a sirloin for God” (Tim Harlan, friend and confidant of 24 years).
John loved to hunt, fish and play golf with all his pals (and you know who you are). Words cannot describe his love for the Green Bay Packers and his toleration of the Crimson Tide. Roll Tide, Go Pack!!
“The one thing that John taught me that I will always remember: The Dalai Lama was a big hitter. Long.” (John Orvek, Chef and friend of 23 years).
John is survived by his wife, Denise Colvin Pearson, his parents Mary Jo and Bill Pearson, his siblings Tom Pearson (and wife Kristin), Paul Pearson (and wife Kerri), Julia Pearson-Sakinejad (and husband Masoud), Tim Pearson (and wife Michelle), and Jennifer Pearson-Grim (and husband Paul). He is predeceased by his beloved cats Steve, Scooter and the Three Stooges (Larry, Curly & Mo) and Heidi Dog.
There will be “Celebrations of John’s Life” to be held at Dean & Deluca of Georgetown, and in Fredericksburg VA and Flint Hill VA. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.